Time spent on mobile devices is now significantly higher than on desktops and brand communications strategies must adapt. One often-overlooked tool for mobile interaction is Google Maps. When leveraged properly, a robust Maps profile can give your brand a bump by meeting your visitors where they are, with the information they want. If Google Maps isn't yet a part of your brand communications strategy, here are a few reasons why it should be.

Free local marketing

‍Google Maps is a great place to build an outpost for your brand with photos, videos, virtual tours and more. Google blends Maps information along with organic search results, which makes a Maps listing an excellent way to create brand awareness.

A solid profile can even help mitigate a less than ideal web presence, especially for mobile visitors who may see your Google Maps details in search results before hitting your actual website.

Draw tourists & visitors

‍Google Maps is a great way to meet the needs of your local audience who already know your brand, but it's also ideal for targeting tourists and other visitors to the area where your business is located.

And this isn't just helpful for restaurants and shops. Museums, parks, colleges, fitness studios, concert venues and even professional services organizations can benefit from attracting visitors through Google Maps. If your business has a physical location, you need a complete Maps profile.

Beef up your SEO

‍Claiming your business on Google Maps (and other platforms like Yelp, Foursquare and Apple Maps) creates a backlink to your website from a reputable source, which enhances your credibility and SEO. And that's in addition to the obvious benefit of directing relevant traffic and visitors to your site. The more backlinks you have, the greater possibility of reaching more potential customers.

Since Google Maps returns location-based search results, the competition for a local business is limited to similar organizations in the area. Increasing the likelihood of your business ranking higher in search results for your category and location effectively shrinks the pond. Relatively, you're now a larger fish.

Cater to your customers

‍At the same time mobile site visits are increasing, attention spans are dwindling. When looking for information on a mobile device, people often take the path of least resistance and search from an app like Maps or Yelp instead of typing in a URL and going directly to a website. Listing critical information upfront - like unique hours and parking details - helps avoid frustrated visitors and makes the user experience that much better.

Anything you can do to decrease the number of clicks (or taps) it takes for visitors to find what they want will ultimately increase your success.

Communicate better. That’s what we help you do. Because better communication means better business.